9021One on One: Rachel True

inviting me. I've not gotten to meet you, Jenny I think before, and Tori you probably don't remember, but I met you so briefly at Sundance I think, yes, I feel like I met you through Kathleen Robertson. Yes, yes, yes, So anyway, anyway, I really appreciate the invite on and I love your podcast and it's fabulous to be honest, So thank you, thank you. Oh my gosh, Well we're excited to have you here today. You played Jan Miler. I'm Beverly Hills nine two and two episodes Minnesota College

with Brenda. Tell us how it happened. How did you get the role of m Listen. Like everyone at that time, we were like, oh my god, I want to be on nine O two one h right, like you guys were on it, but the rest of us were like, we really want to be on that show. So it was not a huge role, but I was like, I want to do it, you know, um And it was more than one episode. And let's be real, there weren't so many black people on your show besides Bibica, so so I very much wanted to be on the show

for many reasons. Um. And I was lucky enough Tori to have read for your dead for another show, and he was really kind. I think he liked my PATOI I think I think you know, back then in the nineties, right, everyone was much more black people. We want to urban it up. That's all I ever heard was Brban Rachel really, yeah, you don't know, how said. I cannot believe that was

okay for them to say, do not know? But right before a test they'd be like, that's great, but's sassier, more urban, right, And I was like, I don't know

what you mean. This is literally the patois of my voice. Um. So to be able to audition for a show like nine O two and no and just speak in like the weird California vernacular, I already seemed to possess was really fun for an actor at that time because as a black actor, listen, there's always a room and a place for more urban roles and things, of course, but at that time I went out of my way to show people that we were a multitude, and we spoke

many different ways and we looked many different ways. So that's why I always wore my hair curly, because all the black girls were forced into wigs or wanted to, and I just thought, let's show them what what it's like. And then the other thing that's funny about that is I was told a lot when I was younger, like you're too contemporary looking for like a period piece, And I was like, you don't think the plantations were full of little mixed curly hair girls who looked exactly like me.

You know, So again back to nine or two, when it was a real cool and a boon to be able to book a job on that show, and so you auditioned for it? Just did I feel like I did audition? I don't think I was just offered it. Did you audition for any other roles? Like We've talked to a lot of people who said I audition for so many roles, and this is the one that ended up happening. I had only auditioned for one other role for I remember she was blind, That's what I remember.

And and James Jason was the director because I think he was in on that session. I did not book it. Did a better job? Did the woman? Did the character that was blind have like a relationship with Brandon? With Jason? I can't remember, but I know it was like a big part. So it was like, you know, one that all the actors wanted. I don't even know if it went to someone black, to be honest um, although probably because back then it wasn't really you didn't really bring

everyone in for anything. It was always very specific. Was that before you did this role that you auditioned for the other one or after? Yeah, I had auditioned for the other one before this, And because it was a bigger role and on such a cool show, of course I was devastated when I didn't get it. I don't know about YouTube, but I always took the nose harder than I should have. My gosh, racial rejection is so hard.

People have no idea how many times you get rejected in this business, and how many times you have to bounce back from that. Well, yeah, I was saying to like, my anxiety levels were always sky high day because you were Okay, you're here, but no, you're leaving tomorrow, or you have an audition right now, and you know, it's really hard on the nervous system, which I think people

don't understand about acting. They just think, oh, it's so easy and fun, and in days in Lewensio World especially, I think they don't understand the rigorous work YouTube did on that show because I was on later on in the auds. I was on a sitcom and I love that because I was like, oh, I'm in it ten and I'm done by three thirty. And I have loved

that world too. I have every fourth week off schedule, I compared to the drama because you guys worked long hours, right like five days a week, yeah, sixteen days, and you didn't get your fourth week off. I do have one story that I want to tell about my brief time please who knows so, but it's I'm gonna talent. It involves Shannon Right, who I worked with, and she's lovely but sue to the non actor. It might sound terrible,

but it's not you're gonna understand as actors. Just so we're in the rooms, you know, we're waiting, and I heard them knock on Shannon's store and she was like, I'll be right there right and literally they don't even wait like two minutes and they knock it and they're like a lot of calm right now, and the A D was kind of stride it right, I'm scared about I'm like, my fingertips are going them, okay, go on.

So so they're knocking it and they knocked right away, like thirty seconds later, like yeah, we need you right now, and she literally yells back, I'm putting in a tampon. And I as an actor, I respect that though I did not see that coming. But no, that was brilliant in the moment. I was like, because I listen as again, I don't it's not all about race. But as a black actor, I was constantly told you will be fired

for the same thing as these white girls do. You will be fine, like literally told that job after job. So I heard that and I was like, oh, what I ever say or anything? And I'm like, you know, cut two years later on my own show, and I'm like I'm keeping just let peace pay to say Shannon wasn't. It wasn't like to the non actor that might sound ready, it's not. It's someone literally saying, I am coming. I love my job, I will be there, I will be out this door as soon as I am done. So

I actually get where she was coming from. So you guys had a good time on the set, do you remember, like what the but it was like it was fun all but you know, like here's the thing. And the other thing non actress don't understand is how awkward it is to come in as a guest cost You're walking into a well oiled machine and everybody's used to everybody's personalities and everything like that. So I don't like I

did a movie years later with Shannon super friendly. I don't think she was super friendly when we did that scene together. I don't you know what I mean, like because that was kind of like her not having a good time scenes though. Did they film It was like all the same place and they filmed both episodes. It's backed back to get those done. I feel like they did film both like it might have been over two days. It wasn't just like it was all within like a

very yeah. Yeah, yeah, so again I was really happy to be there, like I'm Minnesota, I'm her, And then like every actor, I'm like, maybe she'll stay in Minnesota, and you're like, Rachel, the show is called nine two, she's not staying in saying she wasn't like unfriendly. She was probably this stay honestly the same way I got when when you were on a show, and you guys know this I'm saying was for the audience. Like I was number one on the call sheet of my sitcom.

I was in every scene. I was tired, you know, even though it's a fun, silly job, so you're not actually as over to everyone who comes in because you have to save your energy for your performance. So you know, I get that, but I haven't. I should. I should

work on that. Then I need to work on saving my energy for your perform Yeah, because I go no, no, I have this weird thing ever since I was young, that it goes back to n to that I thought like everyone would be like, oh, Tori Spelling, producer's daughter,

She's gonna be horrible, she's gonna be entitled. So even I could be having the worst day ever or something horrible is going on, and I'm just like, I'll be like, hi, how are you, and like hugging grain, like I just go too much on you because I'm just like a gonna take you to train that out in your real life. Wait, what do you mean? I'm saying, like, because I find if we are like okay, because I can't imagine the pressure,

by the way, Tori of having that on my back. Right, It's hard enough as an actor to be like do you like me? Do you think I'm good? But later in it's your dad, and of course you're gonna feel like people are judging you and like you get one, and then I've got to prove myself right, So you end up being extra accommodating to a certain extent. And so I'm saying, and sometimes I can cross into real life and we can be over accommodating to our friends

instead of setting boundaries, you know what I mean. Yes, I have not learned to do that yet, but there's always hope. We're all working on it. I mean, I'm gonna say, like the nice thing about being one of the nice things, right, because being a grown up isn't all terrible. I think it's kind of great. That, like, as an adult, I feel much more comfortable with myself, with my choices, what I do, saying yes, saying no and being okay with that rather than if I say no,

they're not gonna like me. Like now, I don't give up. So very helpful and I care. I want I like people and I want them to like me back. But I also think some of the bending over that we I did myself when I was younger, I realized I got sort of taken advantage of, maybe on jobs, and you know, I wasn't treated as well because she's the easy one. M Yeah, I was just writing about that

so funny. I was just writing about that my journal, about like how that's the person that I used to be so much more needy and like super like super sensitive and I needed affirmation from other people and now I just at at this point in my life, I just don't need that. I need the love and respect of the people that are most important to me, but

the other people I don't care. Well, I think that's why I'm talking about it too, because chances are I'm definitely older, probably I'm sure than both of you, and it took me a really no chance, no chance now I am, but it took me a really long time. That thatsonality we have on set, which is our personality, right, it's our true who we are, But there's also a

little bit of a mask on there. Is we all carry a mask all the time through life, right, and then there's set mask, which is a little different than our day to day mask. And I find as an adult, I'm willing to look at those things and strip them off, Whereas when I was younger, I would have been like, oh you see me, and then I would have probably crumpled up in a ball. Yeah. No, growing up is pretty rad like all the all the insights that you

get and the and the confidence that you get. It actually is an unlike Unfortunately on like you two, I don't have kids, right, I really wanted them, but I couldn't have them. So I don't have kids, and I don't have that thing to mark the passage of time and to see, you know, the years go by or my own growth or there. So I kind of have to just clock it on my own. And I'm trying because I feel like as humans we get this chance we do our thing, and all we can try to do.

All I can try to do is be the best human I can be, and the times that I've fallen and and failed, I have to just get up and try again and do better the next time, rather than going I failed, I am ah, you know, and beating myself up. And yeah, I'm saying that for the people listening, because I'm sure I'm not the only person who behaved like that to themselves. No. Oh my gosh, I wish I had spent more time with you with that Sundance part way back when, because you're awesome. Well, you know,

thank you, that's really kind of you to say. But also, you know, this acting career, right, it's up, it's down, it's sideways. So like Jenny, I right, I don't know if you you right as well? Right? Sometimes and I you know, when things got a little slow, I wrote a book and sold a book to a major publisher, And that was a big step for me because back in the nineties, you remember when it was like you can only be an actor, anything else and you suck.

So I had that ingrained in me that, like even even other artsy stuff, the attitude was well, if you're not you know, you can do one. Wait, what's your book? Oh? It's it's okay, don't laugh, or you got or your ladies can, and you can make fun of me later. But one thing I've always done throughout my whole life, that's he'll calm me down and self soothe me. It's, um, I don't know why, an embarrassed. It's not really first masturbating. Yeah, the book about white story, I recommend The Rabbit. No,

it's not about that is the fastest one. Okay, go on, it's a I knew you know that one. It's a tarot book in deck set. It's young love this, Oh good God, listen. The reason I had my bets on this is I didn't understand that certain people are like especially my black brothers and sisters are like, oh no, Rachel the devil, And I'm like, okay, paper cards printed in China literally just images we use to unlock our own emotions, the things that are unconscious. Right, So it's

always been a passion of mine. And um, I wrote a book and designed a deck and it's I'm proud of that. But wait, what's it called? Tell us what It's called true true heart, intuitive tarot and you can get it anywhere. Books are still like Barnes and Noble or Amazon. But I'm proud of that. You're smart. That's you should be proud of that. That's awesome, that's great. A soo, I wrote it myself. I had six million people be like, I'll write it for you, and I was like, I am an artist, I will write my

own book. But I think I'm particularly proud of it in my evolution because I needed something to focus on. I'm not kind of personal. If I don't have a job right and I don't know the kids to the I didn't have anything to focus on, and this grounded me and let me know that I had a talent as a writer. Because it includes twenty two memory kind of essays, personal essays. There's really mind opening, just like every role we do is mind opening. You know the

book was mind opening? Well did you write this book? Oh? I think it came out almost two years ago. Now I'm literally in the middle of pitching my next book right now. So I let me have a career. Like you you're you've done all these acting roles. Now you're writing, like, what is what's your favorite? Do do you like one more than the other? Wait? Oh wait, what's her favorite thing? That she's done. Can I say my favorite thing she's done? Sorry? Okay,

can I fan girl out before you answer that question? Yes? Okay, So rewatching this. I have to admit, like Jen and I haven't seen a lot of the episodes, which is why as best friends, like we're so excited to rewatch together and talk about it. And for some reason, I didn't remember, like I knew, I knew you, um, but I didn't remember you were in nine two. When I saw you, I literally freaked out and went because horror fanatic, Sorry, I have to talk about the Craft. I just have to.

I'm sorry, thanks girl, one of the most iconic cult horror films ever. Um and yeah, obsessed with the Craft, and I had to go. My kids don't even care that I was in nine two, but I was like, oh my gosh, come look, and they right off the bat were like from the Craft, and I was like, yeah, I really because one of my their friends pre summer, she's a big she was on a different world and it's a big She's great, she's so funny, so talented.

She just showed the Craft to her daughters and all of a sudden, my stock went up so far in that household. Before they were like, oh yeah, Rachel. Now they were like, Rachel, my daughter just turned to eleven, and she's like a huge fan. And I'm going to be a geek and take a picture of the screen here so she could see you and I together. And

you too, Jenn, you too, Well, it's your daughter. Actually I call we call um my one daughter Hattie, actually Jenny's daughter, Um, but we she's a horror fan and we're going to do her eleventh birthday and she wants it um after the craft. Wait cool to me as you showed her the original. I wanted to ask you what you think of the new one. I don't know her nice gowns, I don't know. I mean, here's the thing. I would have more to say, except I feel like, and I'll put this on the record, I feel like

they made a mistake. They were in talks with all of us to be in it right, and then they executive is like, well, we pulled the audience and the last thing they want to see is you ladies with kids, and and everyone I speak to who like you girls, women and everyone out there is like what do you mean? Because I feel like what they do is they discount

us grown women who have more spending money. Now theoretically, you know, I mean, you guys had all in your twenties, but for the regular, for normal people, most women who are grown, we haven't spending money. And I think the crowd that people would have come out to see the grown ladies and the craft with their kids, you would

have gotten the young and yeah, exactly. And instead what I get is like, you know, I mean, I guess shade to the new one is people going there was a new one, and I'm like, all right, anyway, yeah, because that really hurt the screen franchise, bringing the original cast back and like also having the new bees, you know what I mean, Like, it's kind of nuts that they were in talks with you and then it didn't

go further like I would have. I wanted that. I wanted to look for you guys, like what that's what fans want to see, so that you could blend generations. Um. So my so, my daughter liked it. Um. And that's actually when I showed her the original one because she liked it, and I was like, She's like, why don't you like this? This is great? And that's when I was like, Okay, you gotta see the O G one my generation watch because it's amazing. And then she got

her cell phones? What's wrong with them? Know? She ended up because you know, sometimes horror films now are just so like high, like fast paced, and the lighting and the it's all about like, oh, I don't know, it's too much to get anxiety. They don't let anything breathe in horror films sometimes. And the first one was just so iconic and just everything head to show, fashion, everything. I think they did a good job at capturing that

moment in time. How's that? You know? Like it really did capture some the onst of the nineties, um and that moment in time. And I will give the new one which I haven't seen, but I think they captured their moment too, you know what I mean, like their moment of now um and and that's kind of what film is about. So anyway, I would say, back to Jenny's thing, I like it all. One thing I've realized like when I was in my younger years, I was

always uncomfortable saying I'm an artist. I don't know why, you know, because I thought artists were this better thing than me. Right, So now I fully understand as an adult, I'm an artist. So whether it's writing, directing, which I would like to do, any any of these things, Um, I adore. Yeah, I mean I wouldn't. I wasn't comfortable saying oh, I'm a creative as a young person either, But now, like that's the only way my brain works, and I know it and I love it. Right, That's

what I really is. That is how my brain works. So it doesn't really matter what formed is. I do get a particular kick out of acting. I don't always have to watch it, per se. What do you mean watch your work? Yeah? I don't always enjoy that. Like if you guys credit for watching the old episodes of your shows. It's so long ago that it's okay for us now to watch. Really Yeah, And like, oddly enough,

I don't know if my master told you guys. Like I'm here in Louisiana shooting the sequel twenty years twenty plus years later to Half Baked, which was a stone stoic What that is so fun? That's why I'm here. I'm like, all right, so wait, what's your role? What's

your what's your role? And half still married? I was Mary Jane and the original one, I was Dave's love interest and now I'm the mom to the person having the adventure, which is another thing that is interesting as an adult actor, because I just got in last night and on the plane was alright, Rachel, you're the only adult. Everyone else is going to be a child or pretending

or pretending to be a child. Like because I was way older than the characters I played when I was younger, I just knew that I looked that age and that that was fine for me, you know, so I was older than my peers. Um. But with this it's an interesting transition, you know, m because I'm I'm the mom. Wait, but it's not your first time playing a mom, you know what. I think I've only played a mom like one other time, Like I did. I'm on an Amazon show called uh Oh. It's about four women in Harlem,

and it's called Harlem. And in that one, I played a love interest to one of the younger girls. So I'm usually like that, non mom, um, because you look so young, like that's why that's the camera lady. But no, this this is like a grown man son. And I was like, OK, it's a little intimidating as an actress, right type of grown son rather than eight. I was like, I didn't even get an eight year old. Yeah, you didn't need to transition into it. They just comedy like

it's it's like, it's also fun. And the truth is it's not like real easily be the mother person. So it's not out of alignment with the truth. I know even now. I mean, I have a twenty five year old daughter and I'm like, wait, what you're I'm your mom like in real life. I don't get it. Really, I though you look amazing. I never would have Tory. How do you have? How many kids? Five? Five? Five? In between the two of us, we have eight kids, and that crazy, Like you look fabulous because the one

thing I know is kids. Can you know a person? Not everybody off too gorgeous women, But it's true. You know, I think they keep you young, they keep you on your toes, they do both. I think it's a the worry. I think that worry right. But definitely hear what you're saying about playing a mom. It is it's like a little bit of a transition, a switch in your brain that you have exactly it is a little bit and yet at the same time, like I said, I'm not

adverse to We're privileged to be here. We all know people who are not here, right, who didn't make it to this age. So that's kind of how I look at it. And it doesn't mean I don't go, oh, this line or this thing. But the truth is, um, it is a privilege to still be alive at this this particular juncture. So I just truly and I try to keep that in perspective. You know, we can talk to you all day, you have amazing we do You still keep in touch with nev Campbell? Um, I do.

And I see her at those U signing things, which I'm sure she's right. People like for the first convention I ever did, every picture of me next is someone touching me and ME going ah. Because I grew up in a hockey household, so I was like, oh, we have to touch here. That's interesting, But it's super They're actually really fun to do because you connect with the people and and and they love these shows. They're the reason I know to know and it's so true and

appreciate them. But I'm still in touch with them. I'm not in touch with everyone I work with me just like you guys, you know, of course. Yeah. Well, I was like, when people like you ask me best friends with so and so, and I'm like, are you friends with some person who worked with twenty years ago? I literally would not have asked that question, but our producer put in the notes that you guys are still talk No,

we are reached me super tight um. But she lived on it and I just saw her recently, so I was like, oh, I'm not know. She's a She's a lovely girl. And oddly enough, when we shot the craft, I was super tight, was me and Nav and then Robin and Fruza were kind of their own islands and I was told to not even talk to Fruzia because x y Z by my team. And the funny thing is this Spruce and I are like best friends now.

She's so fun She's the nicest girl. She is so sweet, and I realized people are like, what do you mean, Fruza ball and I'm like, no, no, no, no no, no. One of the most loyal, supportive friends there is out there. So I'm so glad that eventually I got to know her, because she's a real special girl. That's neat that you that you were able to come around and sort of yeah. And we've got together as friends, we've been talked about

these things. But again, the first time I saw her after years and years and years, here's what I think people out there forget to do. Like even when you're you know, like she she's fabulous, but she was kind of a pain and in the lovely way back then. So the first thing she said to me was listen, I'm sorry, mhm. And that's all it takes. But people don't realize is it doesn't have to be this huge conversation. It's simply I'm acknowledging in X y Z and that

was it. And and I had to learn to to let her and other people have that moment because I was like, no, no, it's fine. And you know what, sometimes you have to let the person get out there, sorry or there whatever it is, because that's important for them, you know, just like my nature is like I don't want any of fine, And I was like, non' let me hear this. So her and never great. I don't know Robin at all. I didn't know where when we shot the movie. I still don't know where. Um and um.

I'm generally I keep in touch with a few people that I've worked with, like Kathleen, I hadn't talked to in a while, but you know we were she love, Yeah, we listen. We had to share a trailer a trailer, so thank god we got along. Usually we'll get your own trailer. We were sharing trailers and Christina appudate. I think too. We were all like in the same trailer, so thank god we all got along. Well we we love talking to you. But um, okay, going back to

Beverly Hills now or too. I know, um, as a fair person that watched the show, I'm assuming which team are you, Brandon or Dylan? Everybody wants to know these things. Girl, I have to admit this. Oh neither, I'm no, I'm actually find I'm like this. I've always been this way since I was a kid. Like well, he started off with Brenda. So when I was a kid and they'd switch him up or change things, I would just it made me up tight, and so for some reason, I

was like, it's supposed to be with Brenda. So I'm so sorry, Jenny, don't be sorry. Your character was with Sweeter. Wait, feel the same way sometimes watching it back, We're like, wait, don't even like this guy? Okay, so your team Brenda. I'm just one more thing because I was because I think I also was like team Brenda because I've had enough boyfriend's cheat on me that I was like, how

could she do that? You know your character even though you weren't really cheating, Well, you kind of were right, you kind of stole them right. No, she did not steal him. We only know this because we just watched it and my memories. You stole in in many, many, many memories. They were broken up as they were broken up. Yeah, I guess I knew that. But she was still Brenda's best friends, so that's still pretty I think that's where

it went in. Although I kind of saw the benefits to both, by the way, because you and um Luke were really sweet together, so I did. I actually liked you both, but I think I was supposed to be with Brenda. But did you like Brandon better or Dylan? Oh? I was listened Brandon Adwarves, but I'm gonna go with a bad boy. How do you think I managed to get to this age and be unmarried? Oh? Yeah? You like? Yeah? I I mean I just like I thought Brandam was adorable.

You know, he's such a hand. They're both so handsome. But there was something about that quiet strength that Luke had that I really loved you and many many others. Oh yeah, no doubt. That was a phenomenal man. And before we go, I have to nerd out one last time and ask you to say people always say Donna Martin graduates um, and with Jen I choose me. I have to ask you, can you say, um, light is a feather stiff? Yeah? I thought you were gonna be like all hale corners of the everything, Oh my god,

any of it. Can you just recite the whole movie right for Light is a feather, Stuff is a board And we've got the instruction that's one of my lines from I Love This and iose are the only ones I can remember? Are you guys like me where you don't remember anything? Nothing? I don't remember it. It's almost like it wasn't me. Me too, my head. I have

a little I think it's disassociation. Better meet you and therapy. Okay, camera, you're rounded out, like I will finish with if anyone who's listening is out there and you're like you can't afford a shrink or go to a therapist, it's really help it's really helpful and healthy to go to a therapist. Check out tyrol, but check out my check out other ones, because there's nothing like using that to calm myself down

at two am. And that way, I don't call my friends up going like asking him to live in the minutia of my brain. I like to work things out now before I call my friends. That's a good idea. That is my friends. They're probably like, thank you. Listen, ladies, thank you so much. This is so funny you I think I don't want to say anything because we've had great guests. You, I think are my favorite guests we've ever had. I hope I see your ladies in person someday, please,

that'd be great. I really would love to connect with your ladies in person. And if not, thank you so much for letting me come on your show. Well, good luck with your bush, good luck with your movie, good luck with all these things. Is it called half Baked two or is it what's it called? It's called half baked too? Okay, Okay, well, I don't know, you know sometimes that like I'm still like, what am I doing here? Well baked? I don't know if that would be the sequel.

You know, I don't know, Baked. Yeah right, thank you. We love you, Rachel Truth, thank you, thank you. I love is mutual again. I hope you can tell how excited I was to be a nerd like I can't hide these things when you're you're among friends, so we're nerds too, yes all, okay, have a great thank you. Bye,